Picture courtesy of NBC Los Angeles

 

FBI Director Kash Patel faced heated questions during his appearance at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing due to his handling of the investigation into the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Patel's admission that other people are under investigation in connection with the shooting that happened in Utah last Wednesday escalated tensions. The focus was particularly on Patel’s controversial social media activity, where he prematurely announced a suspect’s capture, only to retract it shortly after.

 

The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was identified and apprehended after his father recognised him based on images released by authorities. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed this on Friday, applauding law enforcement's swift action. Patel defended his decision to release images of Robinson, stating that going against law enforcement’s recommendation facilitated the capture. Meanwhile, the FBI is expanding its probe into Robinson's online connections, particularly a Discord chat with more than 20 members.

 

President Donald Trump expressed confidence in Patel, dismissing criticisms of his handling of not only the Kirk matter but also other contentious issues. The investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s case remains a thorny subject, with Patel implicating former officials like Alex Acosta for alleged mismanagement. Patel firmly denied that Epstein was an FBI informant, a claim circulating among conspiracy theorists. Patel’s handling of the Epstein files continues to spark debate amid allegations of hidden information.

 

A fiery exchange with Democratic Senators, notably Adam Schiff and Cory Booker, turned the hearing theatrical. Accusations flew, with Schiff labelling Patel an “internet troll” and Booker criticising his leadership. In contrast, Patel retaliated by accusing the senators of spreading falsehoods and weakening national security. The exchanges underscored the political tensions surrounding Patel’s tenure at the FBI.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Kash Patel is under scrutiny for his management of the Charlie Kirk assassination probe.
• The investigation involves online discussions, potentially implicating multiple individuals.
• Patel is also defending his role in the Epstein case amid political clashes.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC News 2025-09-17

 

 

Patel is such an obnoxious 7th grader level nasty piece of work. I wish I could sneak up behind him and pin a "kick me" sign on his back....

Patel is the product of Elections have consequences!

Voters gave rise to  the democratic process ,which rejected the hostel  dems.

 

Law & order pushing back against a social justice warrior.

OMG.

 

It's been a week and it's not solved.  Let's hold an inquiry.

 

Nothing partisan going on here.

 

He should have walked in, declined to comment on an ongoing investigation, and walked out.

 

On 9/17/2025 at 6:35 AM, webfact said:

Patel firmly denied that Epstein was an FBI informant, a claim circulating among conspiracy theorists.

Really ?

He was connected to mossad/MI5/CIA.

22 hours ago, Emdog said:

Patel is such an obnoxious 7th grader level nasty piece of work. I wish I could sneak up behind him and pin a "kick me" sign on his back....

What would you say about Schiff and Booker?  Such nice honest men huh?

19 hours ago, riclag said:

Patel is the product of Elections have consequences!

Voters gave rise to  the democratic process ,which rejected the hostel  dems.

 

Law & order pushing back against a social justice warrior.

The US sure needs justice after the last fours years of Obama's 3rd term.

6 hours ago, FlorC said:

Really ?

He was connected to mossad/MI5/CIA.

I thought Trump was an FBI informant.

Wait, maybe we'll hear Melanie was.

2 hours ago, Srikcir said:

I thought Trump was an FBI informant.

Wait, maybe we'll hear Melanie was.

Who is Melanie ?

 

On 9/17/2025 at 6:35 AM, webfact said:

Patel firmly denied that Epstein was an FBI informant,

 

 

Well! I wonder where he obtained that information?......presumably not from the non-existent, hoax files that did or didn't disappear from Bondi's desk into the ether.....so from where?

I don't follow this too closely as it is just one more gun death on a long list, but I read on X that the FBI didn't seal off the area where the victim was shot and thus people contaminated the area, and the FBI still have not found the bullet to check if it matches the gun found.

Not confidence-building, is it? If true, that is.

8 hours ago, thaipo7 said:

The US sure needs justice after the last fours years of Obama's 3rd term.

As well as the first two